for a quick meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a quick meal" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the purpose or intention behind an action, such as preparing or choosing food. Example: I stopped at the convenience store for a quick meal on my way to work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I'll use it with soy to season rice cooked in shiitake mushroom broth for a quick meal after work.

The Guardian

"Some will be for snacking, some for a quick meal, but we hope everything we offer our guests is convenient and tasty".

The New York Times

Lexington Avenue between 25th and 28th Streets attracts swarms of taxicabs day and night, as drivers brake for a quick meal and a pit stop.

The New York Times

She's fully embraced another technique popular with the blogging set: the sheet-pan dinner, in which proteins, starch, and vegetables roast together for a quick meal.

Columbia University

An article last Sunday about casual spots for a quick meal in Washington, D.C., misstated part of the name of a restaurant where cured meats are the focus.

The New York Times - Travel

ELI'S ESSENTIALS Eli Zabar's new store stocked with sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee, juices and other items for a quick meal to take out will be open for a few months; 939 Madison Avenue (74th Street), [phone].

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Ruben's, a trim, clean storefront, is just right for grabbing a quick meal.

The New York Times - Arts

For now, the company is largely focused on quick-service restaurants — the kind of places that make for good takeout spots for lunch or a quick meal at home.

The New York Times

These ships also offer room service as well as casual buffet-style dining at every meal — with stations offering lots of choices — for those times a quick meal rather than table service is more appealing.

Los Angeles Times

Instead, well before the crack of dawn, '80s Don Draper would have been at her bedside, nudging her awake so that she could get ready for soccer practice while he threw a quick meal together for her and her siblings.

Huffington Post

He somersaults toward her fangs for real, she makes a quick meal of him, and he dies in arachnirvana, his gametes well positioned to sire thousands of next-generation redbacks.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a quick meal" when you want to emphasize the speed and convenience of preparing or consuming food. This phrase is suitable for describing both the purpose of an action (e.g., stopping at a restaurant) and the nature of the meal itself (e.g., a simple dish prepared rapidly).

Common error

Avoid using "for a quick meal" as a justification for unhealthy food choices. While speed is important, ensure the meal provides adequate nutrition to avoid negative health consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a quick meal" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of purpose, explaining the reason or intention behind an action. It modifies verbs by indicating the reason for the action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

24%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a quick meal" serves as a common adverbial phrase indicating the intention for a meal that is fast and convenient. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki content. While its register is neutral, it effectively communicates the purpose of obtaining or preparing food efficiently. When using this phrase, remember that while speed is valued, nutritional considerations should not be entirely overlooked. The phrase is commonly used and can be easily substituted with alternatives like "for a speedy meal" or "for a fast meal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a speedy meal

Replaces "quick" with "speedy", emphasizing the speed of the meal.

for a fast meal

Substitutes "quick" with "fast", a direct synonym.

for a convenient meal

Emphasizes the ease and convenience of the meal, rather than just speed.

for a meal in a hurry

Highlights the rushed nature of the meal consumption.

for an express meal

Uses "express" to denote speed and efficiency.

for a readily available meal

Focuses on the accessibility and immediate availability of the meal.

when time is short for a meal

Changes the structure to highlight the time constraint affecting meal choice.

for an easy meal solution

Positions the meal as a solution, highlighting its simplicity.

for a bite on the run

Implies eating while being busy or in transit.

for a makeshift meal

Suggests the meal is created from whatever is available with minimal preparation.

FAQs

What's a good alternative to "for a quick meal"?

Consider using phrases like "for a speedy meal", "for a fast meal", or "for a convenient meal" depending on whether you want to emphasize speed or convenience.

How can I use "for a quick meal" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the purpose of an action, such as "I stopped at the deli for a quick meal", or to describe a type of food, like "This recipe is perfect for a quick meal after work".

Is "for a quick meal" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "for a quick meal" is generally acceptable in most writing contexts, including formal ones, as it's a common and easily understood phrase. However, consider whether a more precise term might be better suited for specific academic or professional contexts.

What kind of meals are typically described as "for a quick meal"?

Meals described as "for a quick meal" are usually simple, easy to prepare, and require minimal time to eat. Examples include sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, or pre-made meals.